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Home > Our
Publications > Travel Australia
and New Zealand > Go Australia & New Zealand > September
2001
Sorry - we can't get you out of that jail
TRAVELLING abroad, in any country, has its problems - many of them
unexpected and while the British Government's local representative
can provide assistance they cannot, for instance, get you out of
prison.
You should always respect local laws & customs. For instance,
in the UAE it is a punishable offence to drink in public; offenders
may be put in prison.
Eat and drink carefully: Find out if the local tap water is safe
to drink. If not, drink bottled water and avoid having ice in your
drinks. To avoid contaminated food, don't eat food that has not
been freshly cooked.
Keep in touch with home: Especially for long trips. If they know
you are safe, they won't need to panic if there's an emergency in
the country you are visiting.
Be security conscious: Avoid unlit streets at night and only carry
the minimum amount of cash when sightseeing.
Protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes: If you are travelling
to any country where the sun is hot then take care - always use
sun lotions with UVA and UVB protection and avoid the sun between
midday and 3pm. To reduce the chances of being bitten while abroad
- use insect repellents, wear long shirts and long trousers and
sleep under a mosquito net.
If things go wrong: If you do get into trouble abroad you will need
to know how Consular Officals can and cannot help you.
Consular Officals can: issue emergency passports; put you in touch
with local lawyers, interpreters and doctors; visit you if you have
been arrested or put in prison; contact relatives and friends if
you need emergency money or tickets; arrange for next of kin to
be told of an accident or a death and advise on procedures.
Consular officials cannot: pay your hotel, legal, medical or any
other bills; give legal advice; intervene in court cases; get you
out of prison; get you better treatment in hospital or prison than
locals; replace lost airline tickets.
* This information has been provided by the Foreign & Commonwealth
Office. For more info and details on countries check their web site
at www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo
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